Union County News

A severe thunderstorm caused significant damage and power outages in Plainfield, forcing the city to cancel its Independence Day parade.

Plainfield City Council passed a first-reading ordinance banning data centers from all zoning districts. The ban prohibits large-scale computer facilities citywide.

PSE&G completes power restoration throughout Plainfield following July 4 thunderstorm. Residents with outages should contact DPW at 908-753-3375.

PSE&G reports 1,205 Plainfield customers without power after severe storm. Restoration goal: nearly all by tonight, no later than 3 p.m. Monday, July 6, 2026.

Plainfield Fourth of July Parade cancelled due to severe thunderstorm with high winds and downed trees. Concert and fireworks still scheduled.

PSE&G resource station in Plainfield Monday, July 6, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free water, ice, and phone charging at East 6th Street and Watchung Avenue parking lot.

Plainfield Council to Vote on Budget, Consider Data Center Ban; See Monday's Agenda

Joanne Rajoppi, who served as Union County Clerk for many years, has passed away at age 78.

Arthur Smith, an 83-year-old Plainfield man with dementia who was reported missing early Monday morning, was found safe late Monday night. Smith was last seen at 6:30 a.m. on surveillance footage inside his residence before possibly being seen walking northbound on Field Avenue.

The Plainfield Police Department arrested Bryan Spells, 27, of Piscataway, in connection with a July 1 shooting on the 400 block of West Fourth Street that left a male victim with nonfatal gunshot wounds. Spells has been charged with attempted murder and various weapons offenses.

Plainfield Public Schools Director of Special Education Marcos Bayas has been selected as a recipient of the 2026 Ellie Byra Inclusive Education Award. He will be honored on September 30, 2026, at The Palace at Somerset Park.

Severe thunderstorm strikes Plainfield, NJ. Approximately 2,300 customers without power as City crews begin cleanup and restoration efforts. Stay informed.

The Plainfield Senior Center at 400 East Front Street is open as a cooling station and charging location for residents without power during the outage.

Barack Obama Green Charter's Class of 2026 earned $6.2M in scholarships and broke every school academic record at its June 18 graduation in Rahway.

South Second Street Youth Center in Plainfield celebrated building ownership June 18, marking a milestone made possible through federal tax credits and local partnerships.

Downtown Plainfield's 2026 Pop Up Concert Series features four free Friday concerts at Park Plaza from July 10 through October 2. All shows 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Plainfield Public Library opens its doors Wednesday for a free World Cup Round of 32 watch party, starting with England's noon match against DR Congo.

Coach Dennis McCaffery's summer baseball and all-sports camps are underway at Cranford Performance Institute for grades 1–7. Starting at $275 per week.

PSE&G and NJ American Water are conducting road work in Plainfield, NJ June 25–July 2, 2026. See the full daily street closure and milling schedule here.